The ceremony legally formalises the citizenship of the participants and welcomes them as new Australian citizens. As a result, ceremonies should be simple and dignified occasions that represent the importance of the event. They should also be conducted in a friendly atmosphere.

What are the key components of the ceremony?

The ceremony should usually include:

- an official welcome

- an address by a special guest or the mayor

- a process for citizens to make the pledge of commitment to Australia

- a process for citizens to receive the Certificate of Australian Citizenship

- the presentation of a gift to citizens to mark their Australian Citizenship

- singing of the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair.

What is the Pledge of Commitment?

Making the pledge is a moving, important part of the Citizenship Ceremony.

The pledge reads:

From this time forward, under God*,

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,

whose Democratic beliefs I share,

whose rights and liberties I respect,

and whose laws I will uphold and obey.

* New citizens can choose to take the pledge in the form of an oath, which includes the words ‘under God’, or in the form of an affirmation, which does not.

What follows after the taking of the pledge?

1. Presentation of the certificate of Australian CitizenshipOnce participants have made the pledge they should be given their certificate of Australian Citizenship.

2. Opportunity to complete an electoral enrolment formParticipants should also be able to complete an electoral enrolment form which registers them on the electoral roll.